Best for... Authenticity - Inis Meain

Of the three Aran Islands, Inis Meain attracts the least footfall. In fact, Inis Mór feels like Las Vegas in comparison but the tranquility of Inis Meain is its great appeal, as is the stunningly beautiful, rugged landscape. The smallest of the islands, its 180-strong population is Irish-speakinig and here you'll find two notable stone forts, the oval Dún Chonchúir which dates to pre-Christian times and the 4th century Dún Fearbhaí.

There's also the impressive church of Mary Immaculate, with stained-glass windows by Harry Clarke and altar made by Patrick Pearse's father James. Of course, the island's most famous adopted son is John Millington Synge and you can visit the writer's restored cottage, and Synge's chair, an outcrop of rocks that was his favourite place on the island.

Renting a bike is the best way of getting around and you can also go diving. Don't worry – it's not too tranquil. Night times are lively affairs, and it's impossible not to be drawn into the singing sessions in one of the two pubs. If you can, go there for the traditional currach racing which happens on the August bank holiday weekend.

Getting here: Aer Arann Islands (www.aerarannislands.ie) flies there daily and there are ferry options, such as Island Ferries Teo (www.aranislandferries.com), which has daily sailings from Ros a Mhil.

Staying here: Inis Meain Restaurant & Suites (www.inismeain.com) is a lovely bolthole, with three suites attached while the restaurant serves up the freshest of fish and veg, grown on the island. An Dún (www.inismeainaccommodation.com) is also very popular. Wherever you stay on the island, sorting out your accommodation well in advance is advisable as beds fill up quickly during the summer season.

Best For... The Ultimate Getaway - Clare Island

Once upon a time, some 1,600 people inhabited this Co Mayo island, the largest in Clew Bay. The famine reduced Clare Island's population by half and today, only 130 people live there. Historically, it's a rich destination, with the remains of forts, megalithic tombs, ancient field systems and 'fulachta fiadh' – Bronze Age cooking sites – to explore. The island was the home of the pirate queen Granuaile, whose castle is still there and who is said to be buried in the island's 13th century Cistercian abbey. Clare Island offers fantastic views of Croagh Patrick and many great walks and its clear waters make it a popular destination for divers too. Right throughout the summer, there are various concerts and live-music performances. It's also home to Clare Island Yoga Retreat (www.yogaretreats.ie) where Christophe and Ciara run yoga and vegetarian cooking courses. Set on 240 acres of land with organic gardens, if you're looking for an absolute retreat from the rat race, this is surely it. For nightlife, there's a bar in the Bay View hotel which is open during the tourist season. There's also a shop/post office.

Getting here: It's a 20-minute ferry ride from Roonagh; there are numerous sailings throughout day. Visit www.clareislandferry.com.

Staying here: There are five or so B&Bs on the island, as well as the hotel. Check www.clareisland.info/ for more information.

Best For... A Magical Experience - Tory Island (main photograph)

It may only be three miles long and a third of a mile wide but Tory, Co Donegal, is steeped in lore and mythology and ancient Gaelic culture. It's got its own king for example – Rí Thoraí – who is currently the painter Patsaí Dan Mac Ruaidhrí, in situ since 1993. There's something very romantic about Tory, whether that's its wild terrain, fascinating history, the fact that it's the most remote of Ireland's inhabited islands, or a combination of all three. Colmcille founded his monastery here in the 6th century; it's home to one of only two Tao crosses in Ireland, and has early seafaring links to the Coptic Christians of Egypt. It also has a dark side. At Móirsheisear is the tomb of seven people, six men and one woman, who drowned when their boat capsized off Scoilt an Mhóirsheisear ('the cleft of the seven') on the island's northwest coast. According to local superstition, clay from the grave has the power to ward off vermin – Tory Island has never had rats. Since the 1950s there has been a strong artistic community here – the British painter Derek Hill had a painting hut on Tory and depicted the landscape many times – and the gallery is well worth spending time in.

Getting here: Ferries to Tory Island leave from Bunbeg or Magheroarty. The crossing takes about an hour. Visit www.toryislandferry.com for details.

Staying here: There are a number of B&Bs, the Tory Island Hotel (www.toryhotel.com), and self-catering apartments. Visit www.oileanthorai.com for general info.

Best For... The Ceol - Inishbofin

Seven miles off the Galway coast lies Inishbofin, whose name translates as 'the island of the white cow'. Inhabited for some 6,000 years, it has many sites of historical interest, from Iron Age forts on the cliffs, 7th century St Colman's monastery, and the Cromwellian barracks where Catholic clergy were imprisoned. There are many more, but as the island is only five miles by three, it won't take you long to explore them all. More than anything else, Inishbofin is renowned for it's panoramic 'loop walks' on which you will encounter white sandy beaches and rare flora and fauna (it's a breeding ground for corncrakes and there are two seal colonies here.) Wind surfing and swimming are popular activities on the island. It's also famous for its traditional music. Inishbofin has its own céilí band so if you're looking to experience a rousing lively session, you'll find it here.

Getting here: There is a daily ferry service to Inishbofin all year round. It's a 30-minute crossing. The ferry departs from the pier at Clegan, which is 10km from Clifden and 90 minutes west of Galway city. Visit www.inisbofin.eu for details.

Staying here: There are three hotels, a hostel, campsite, self-catering cottages and numerous B&Bs on Inishbofin. Again, visit www.inishbofin.eu for a full list.

Best For... The Craic - Cape Clear

The southern-most inhabited Irish island revs it up a notch at this time of year when tourists, Irish-language students and scuba divers descend on this small patch of land to spend the summer with its 150 inhabitants. A 45-minute crossing from Schull, it's completely unspoilt, its landscape marked by megalithic standing stones, a 5,000-year-old passage grave and a 16th century castle. Whale and dolphin watching are popular and the island is a renowned birdwatching destination. One of the nicest events here is the Cape Clear International Storytelling Festival (4-6 September) where the beautiful scenery provides an unforgettable and magic backdrop to a host of raconteurs. The pubs are lively and the sessions are wonderful.

Getting here: There are numerous daily sailings from Baltimore and Schull. Check out www.capeclearferry.com for details.

Staying here: There are three B&Bs, several choices of self-catering accommodation, a hostel and a camping site. Check out www.oilean-chleire.ie for more details and for other amenities.